Champions League Draw Pits Barcelona with Atletico and PSG with Man City

A number of high-profile games are scheduled for the following two months, after today’s Champions League draw in Nyon showcased.

Barcelona vs Atletico

(Image credit: Barca Blaugranes)

Current defending champions Barcelona have been drawn together with domestic rivals Atletico Madrid for the second time in three years. They have faced each other in the quarter-finals in the 2013-14 season, which saw the Madrid side clinch a 2-1 aggregate win and go on all the way to the final, where they sadly lost to Real Madrid that season.

But things are quite different than they were two years ago, as the Catalans are the favorites to become first back-to-back European winners, with Bet365 Sports offering 2.60 (8/5) to lift the crown outright. Barcelona’s front three MSN (Messi, Neymar and Suarez) are firing on all cylinders, which one of the main reasons for their great run so far. Luis Enrique’s men are therefore obviously the favorites to win 1.50 (1/2) the first encounter of the Champions League draw, while a tie is unlikely 4.00 (3/1) and a win for Atletico even less so 7.00 (6/1).

PSG vs Man City

(Image credit: The World Game)

French side PSG will go head to head with Manuel Pellegrini’s men, in what is looking to be a great clash of titans. Both clubs have long list of star players, so it’s difficult to say which side will emerge victorious. Currently, Bet365 Sports favors the Parisiens to win at home 1.70 (7/10), but considering the strength of Man City, a tie could also be on the cards 3.60 (13/5). A win seems a little improbable at this stage 5.50 (9/2). This season is also Ibrahimovic’s last with PSG, and it would be idyllic for him to sign-off in style by lifting the trophy at San Siro – a stadium that was his home for a total of five years.

Wolfsburg vs Real Madrid

(Image credit: Yibada)

The Champions League draw also pit together Wolfsburg with Spanish giants Real Madrid, however this tie is very predictable. The Germans’ chances of making it to the semi-finals of the competition are virtually zero, considering the vast differences between the two sides. Zidane’s side are the obvious favorites 1.70 (7/10) even though they’ll be playing away, whereas the Wolfsburg are underdogs on their own ground 5.00 (4/1), per Bet365 Sports. The most that they can hope for is a draw 3.60 (13/5), but even that scenario is questionable.

Bayern Munich vs Benfica

(Image credit: The Guardian)

The 2013 Champions League winners Bayern Munich have made the Bundesliga their playground in Guardiola’s time, so they’ll be looking to finish off his reign as manager by clinching the European cup. Their quarter-final opponent has been made Benfica, a side that should serve as a solid warm-up for the tougher semi-finals. The Portuguese first face Guardiola’s men at the Allianz Arena, where they are big outsiders 15.00 (14/1), before they welcome them at Estadio da Luz. Since it’s pretty apparent that Bayern will seal an easy win with this Champions League draw, I suggest you bet on the Goals Over/Under, as the odds are better than on the standard Full Time Result market. The odds for Over at Bet365 Sports are 1.60 (3/5), while for Under they’re 2.30 (13/10). Try to guess which one it’ll be.